The Far North is a beautiful, largely undeveloped and important part of our province. The value of its forests, wetlands, lakes, and resources is significant and immense. Because of its size and ecological significance, the Far North is vital to all Ontarians. The area sequesters carbon dioxide, provides habitat for a large variety of species, including many at risk, and is key to a sustainable global environment.
The Far North spans the whole width of Northern Ontario, from Manitoba in the west, to James Bay and Quebec in the east. It covers more than 40 percent of the province - some 450,000 square kilometres.
The Far North includes the Hudson Bay lowlands - the third largest wetland in the world. It has many unique and sensitive ecological features and is considered to be a globally significant natural environment.
Polar bears, snow geese, beluga whales and wolverines live in the Far North, along with hundreds of other animal and plant species.
The Far North is home to more than 24,000 people living in 34 communities, most of which are First Nations. The Government of Ontario is proud to be working in partnership with First Nations to protect this valuable part of the province.
One objective of the Far North Land Use Planning Initiative is to protect more than 225,000 square kilometres of forest and wetland for future generations to enjoy, and to help maintain the Far North’s unique climate change-fighting properties.
